World Blood Donor Day 2016 was observed in Bangladesh with a special programme organised by WHO Bangladesh in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), National Safe Blood Transfusion Programme, Blood Transfusion Society of Bangladesh, Sandhani, Red Crescent and Quantum. The programme was designed to reflect this year’s theme, ‘Blood connects us all’, focusing on thanking blood donors and highlighting the dimensions of ‘sharing’ and ‘connection’ between blood donors and patients.
The events of the day began with a colourful rally with members of WHO Bangladesh, Sandhani, Red Crescent, Quantum, programme personnel from DGHS, blood transfusion experts and medical technologists from Dhaka Medical College, Shahid Sohorawardy Medical College and doctors, nurses and other staff from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), all taking part. Following the rally, an advocacy meeting was held at BSMMU. At the meeting, the need for better coordination and collaboration between organisations to improve voluntary blood donations and meet demand in Bangladesh was emphasised.
